Silver Wind to Become Ice-Class Ship for Polar Cruising, Unveil New Look

(5:33 p.m. EST) -- An extensive summer 2020 refurbishment will turn Silversea's Silver Wind into an ice-class cruise ship -- opening up the door to destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic. Additionally, the luxury cruise ship will unveil a new look following a more recent "Musification," which took place this month, to give it a modern interior design akin to the line's newest ship, Silver Muse.

The overhauls are part of Silversea's Project Invictus, a fleetwide program -- in partnership with new "parent" company Royal Caribbean -- that involves enhancing the line's ships through refurbs and product upgrades. Other noteworthy changes have included the introduction of a new Champagne and caviar experience on Silver Muse in August 2018, and a ship-wide refurb of Silver Whisper in December 2018.

Silver Wind's new ice-class certification will allow it to sail in Antarctica and the Arctic for the first time ever; Silversea offers these itineraries on other ships. Among the ship's new offerings will be a 15-night Antarctica cruise, roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, that includes stops in the Falkland Islands, Drake Passage, Antarctic Sound, Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

During Silver Wind's December 2018 refurb, the suites received all-new upholstery and furnishings, new TVs, upgraded bathrooms with new marble, new balcony floors and other features; the main restaurant was completely redesigned; new carpeting was installed throughout the ship; and the exterior decks were refreshed with new furniture. Other venues including the Show Lounge, the card and conference room, and the library were given cosmetic makeovers.

In addition to receiving a strengthened ice-class hull that will allow it to navigate polar climates, the ship will welcome a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks to be used during tours, during the August 2020 refurb. Also in 2020, Silver Wind will undergo renovations of its spa, atrium and guest services area, La Dame and La Terrazza restaurants, Main Bar, Observation Lounge, Panorama Lounge, Pool Bar, public bathrooms and Theatre.

Silver Wind's passenger capacity also will decrease slightly from 298 to 254, with the addition of larger suites (i.e., Silver Suites, Medallion Suites) in place of smaller accommodations like the Veranda and Vista Suites -- a change the line said will make for a higher crew-to-passenger ratio.

"We are delighted to announce that our beloved Silver Wind will undergo a further extensive refurbishment in the summer of 2020, completing the enhancements made in December 2018," said Silversea's CEO, Roberto Martinoli, in a statement. "Evolving the ship into an ice-class vessel, complete with Zodiacs and kayaks, will diversify her offering for our guests: she will be capable of unlocking deep travel experiences in both classic and expedition destinations, from the Caribbean to Antarctica, and everywhere in between."

Silver Wind will continue to offer cruises to the Caribbean and Mediterranean. It is scheduled to reenter service after the dry dock on November 10, 2020.